Why has Ukraine attacked Russia with US long-range missiles?

The war in Ukraine continues, and the latest US intervention means we are now on the brink of a new scenario. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use its ATACMS long-range missiles, allowing it to attack targets on Russian territory. it measures.

What are long range missiles?

‘Army Tactical Missile Systems’ (ATACMS) are short-range ballistic missiles with high precision capability. Designed to destroy strategic objectives such as logistics centres, ammunition depots and military concentrations, they have a range of up to 300 kilometres. These weapons provide Ukraine with a significant offensive capability, allowing it to attack key infrastructure in Russian areas close to the battlefield, such as Kursk, without putting aircraft or personnel at risk.

This military technology represents a major change in Ukrainian capabilities, providing them with the tools to counter Russian and North Korean advances in critical areas.

Why has Biden authorized the use?

Biden’s decision has its roots in both the military situation and international politics:

• Support before Trump’s arrival

With Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House in January, there is uncertainty over the future of military support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed his intention to find a more diplomatic solution to the conflict, which could limit the flow of arms to Kiev. Therefore, Biden wants to maximize Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities ahead of that potential transition.

• Ukrainian pressure and increasing tension

Ukraine has stressed the need for advanced weapons to attack strategic targets inside Russia, especially given the presence of 10,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk area. Until now, Biden had rejected this request out of fear of escalating the conflict, but the worsening situation on the battlefield has prompted him to reconsider this position.

• immediate military impact

The authorization of long-range missiles seeks to balance the conflict, in the hope that Ukraine can overwhelm Russia’s logistics and military capabilities and aim it further to the east, particularly in the Donbass region, where Russian forces have advanced. , to reduce pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines. At an alarming pace.

Until now, Kiev’s operations on Russian territory were limited to drones and small raids. However, ATACMS missiles are a more powerful tool allowing attacks with greater range and accuracy.

However, this decision also has risks:

Moscow has warned that these actions could lead to a “Third World War”. Although the risk of nuclear conflict has diminished since 2022, the Kremlin’s rhetoric remains aggressive, which could increase global tensions.

Countries such as Hungary have pointed out that the measure benefits the United States primarily by prolonging the war and positioning its defense industry as one of the biggest winners. They also believe the moment chosen – just before the political transition in Washington – is strategic, and have accused Trump of being a “man of peace” in contrast to Biden.